Toronto Photography Meetup Group

first of if I posted this in the wrong forum section of the forum i apologize

Hey guys and Gals, I just recently sold my only dslr which was an Olympus E-500
question is
as most of you are experienced photographers, what would you look for when purchasing a used DSLR from Kijiji or Craigslist just don't want to end up with a lemon . other than the cosmetics.
any input would be helpful
thanks in advance
cheers

Verified shutter count is a good start, do a sensor dust test (shoot a white wall while moving the camera, sensor dust/marks will stay at the same spot even though you've moved the camera), do you have a CF/SD card to bring with you to make sure it works? Will it have a lens with it that you can use if not to buy but test? Wear and tear says a lot sometimes. Generally if it's in good shape cosmetically it's in good shape. Unless someone dunked it in a river...

thanks Icons
to verify the shutter count is that easily accessed from the menu in Nikon? or a software is required?
the camera comes with a SD card and a lens.

Ifyou haven't already, read the Craigslist avoiding scam thread.

I have the Visible Dust sensor loop, so I can actually look at the sensor. I've used this not just when buying a camera, but also when selling them as well to show the buyer how clean/flawless the sensor is. Awhile ago, this actually prevented me from buying a 1Ds MKII as I saw that the sensor was scratched and I walked away. Earlier this year I bought a 5D and I couldn't believe how flawless the sensor was, and it helped confirm the seller's claim of only having it cleaned by Canon. I originally bought the sensor loop just to help me clean (look for dust) my sensors, but it has been so much more useful than that.

As others say, take a memory card so you can take photos. I would take either a laptop or something like an Epson P3000 so you can view the photos at 100% zoomed in. Also take a fast lens to test for at least the center point fingers focus accuracy. Take a flash to check the hotshot contact. Shoot photos wide open in bright light (or dial up the ISO) so you can shoot at a really high shutter speed. This will help you check for a bad shutter, as it the top part of the frame will show about 3-5% overexposure compared to rest of photo (check Web for examples). I got burned when I bought a 1Ds MKII and the repair of the shutter 5 months later cost me $450 at Canon on a body that only had 30K actuations.

For safety, meet at a busy coffee shop at a corner table.

Good luck.

You mean loupe?

Ha ha ha, correct ... I was a bit drained after my workout.

Take a slightly underexposed shot of the sky. The blue will highlight any scratches or dust on the sensor. Ask as many questions before the meet and you'll get a feel for how legit the seller is with how forthcoming they are with answers. Good luck.
P.S. I've bought 80% of my equipment through Craig's/Kijiji and so far no scams.

Thanks for all the replies

in the past week, i went to Henry's,to buy used DSLR instead found the service to be not helpful at all and left with just few books that were on clearance, in the past week searched Kijiji and did my research
was debating Nikon vs Canon m and settled for a canon

today i completed a deal on a used DSLR

picked up a canon 40D mint condition 9k shutter count inspected the sensor with a flashlight and magnifying glass couldn't find a single scratch on it. also got a lens Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM with lens hood and a original canon battery grip which seemed to be still brand new all from the same seller. Took pictures with it very clean however there seemed to be like dust particles inside of the lens, but it doesn't show anything on the pictures what so even bright or dark. just don't have the cash flow now to go and buy full frame top of the line canon , i think this is good advancement from the Olympus e500 to a 40d to start shooting and learning on . once again thanks for all the replies and advice. id show pictures of the lens but don't know how to insert an image here from the computer.

Good thread...Thanks for info guys.

lots of knowledgeable people here imran and welcome

If we were buying something brand new and sealed, would there be a possible chance for the unit to be fake?

good question Rae, never thought about that but then again on Kijiji everything is possible. if anything google the comparison between the fake and real what to look for before heading out to see the camera.
If the box is sealed and the seller does not to let you see the content inside to keep the item sealed, then Id be suspicious and walk away, I'm not buying a box of chocolate here, investing good amount of $$$$ the buyer has the right to inspect the item, before purchasing. Ive seen brand new cameras but they are open box and the camera inside is sealed and all the accessories are new. even then id follow the steps what every one above mentioned on how to inspect a camera just to make sure your getting what you paid for and not a lemon. best of luck

Anything that can be sealed, can be resealed.

Guess you haven't heard about the people who thought they were buying a new iPod, and instead got an iPod box full of newspaper!

If they don't let you open it and try it, walk away. There is no deal until the transaction takes place.